Training camp for the Montreal Canadiens began on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The Canadiens are hosting 57 players for their 2026-2027 training camp. This roster features 31 forwards, 19 defensemen, and seven goaltenders.
All players in this group are either under contract with the Canadiens or their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
The Canadiens roster, as it stands, is full. With key signings like Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj , the Canadiens' forward group and defense pairings are all but set in stone. While the Canadiens roster does not have the space to accommodate all of their developing talent, there are several outstanding prospects who have bright futures within the organization.
Last season, the Canadiens called up 22-year-old forward Owen Beck for 15 games. In these games, he was quiet, scoring only one goal. Still, he was exceptional defensively, finishing the season with a +4. Beck was also impressive in the face-off circle, posting a 58.7%.
While with the Rocket, Beck played 58 games and finished with 33 points . In the playoffs, Beck scored three goals in five games. While Beck's game may be developing offensively, he plays an intelligent brand of hockey. Canadiens forward Cole Caufield praised Beck after he was drafted: "He makes plays in tight areas, and he's got a lot of skill, and he works hard. A little bit of grit in his game, too, so you love to see that."
Last season, Beck was hopeful to make the team out of camp, but ultimately played the season in the AHL. This year, he has even more NHL experience totaling 28 games. He is a natural center , making him less than ideal on the wing. The Canadiens' current center depth includes Nick Suzuki , Oliver Kapanen , Jake Evans , Phillip Danault , Kirby Dach , and Alex Newhook , making it hard for Beck to earn a spot on this roster.
Despite this, Beck has the respect of head coach Martin St. Louis , who commented on his game: "He's so, so smart out there." Beck will likely begin the season in Laval, but if there are any gaps in the roster, St. Louis trusts him to fill them. If the Canadiens lose any forwards to injuries, a reliable call-up like Owen Beck could be essential to making the playoffs.
It is clear the Canadiens organization has a lot of respect for Beck . Director of Player Development, Rob Ramage, said, "He's a coach's dream. He's a leader, very, very serious, conscientious. You know, this guy's going to play." When he gets his chance, the Canadiens won't be disappointed.
When it comes to defensemen, the Canadiens prospect pool has more than one right answer. Last season, the Habs called up both Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher for different parts of the regular season.
Engstrom played 15 games for the Canadiens. In these 15 games, he had one assist and a +2. Engstrom averaged 13:03 minutes of ice time each game. Engstrom was most often paired with Arber Xhekaj . Because he's a left-shot defenseman, finding a spot for him on this team is more difficult. The Canadiens have tried different pairings to allow left-shot defenseman Lane Hutson to reach his full potential.
The Habs also have too many defensemen as it stands, making it unlikely that Engstrom will start the season with the Canadiens.
Another defenseman who might make the team this year is former fifth overall pick in 2023, David Reinbacher . With the Rocket, Reinbacher put up 24 points and ended the season +18 . Reinbacher also had his chance to compete with the Habs last season. He was called up for the last two games of the season. In this brief NHL debut, Reinbacher recorded one assist. As a 21-year-old right-handed defenseman, he is an ideal choice to be Lane Hutson 's partner.
Reinbacher has struggled to play full time due to his injury history . Since he was drafted, he has missed significant time with Laval due to knee surgery and a hand fracture. If he stays healthy and keeps developing, he may earn a spot on this roster soon.
Jacob Fowler is one of the best Canadiens prospects, and the one most likely to make the team out of camp.
Fowler is the most NHL-ready prospect in the Canadiens pool. Last season, Fowler became a key part of the Habs goalie rotation as they were trying to make the playoffs. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said the Canadiens would start camp with three goalies, but would have only two by opening night. Jacob Fowler has earned the right to be part of this conversation.
Last season, Fowler posted a .908 save percentage and won nine of 17 NHL starts. With the Rocket, Fowler had 19 wins in 27 starts, three shutouts, and an exceptional .916 save percentage. He provided necessary stability to the Habs net when he needed to. He has proved himself to be a goaltender the organization can trust. At the end of camp, it will come down to him beating out either Dobeš or Montembeault for a spot.
The Canadiens also have more prospects with the talent to be full-time NHL players. For example, Florian Xhekaj played a few games with the big club. He made a name for himself with an assist and a fight in a November game against the Toronto Maple Leafs . Xhekaj had a 29-point season in Laval. According to reporter Marco D'Amico, during camp he has been skating on a line with Josh Anderson , who is also a physical player. This could be his year to make the team.
At this juncture, the Canadiens are not a developing team. Management has put together a group they trust. The Canadiens will build on their Eastern Conference Final appearance and be a threat in the Atlantic Division. The depth of talent and skill in this prospect pool lets the Canadiens compete through injuries and plan for the future.
Training camp is still ongoing, and no final decisions have been made. Keep an eye on the final roster on opening night, Sept. 29 at 7 pm EST.
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